Helms worked for WKA throughout the 1980s and ’90s as a key player in the organization’s 4-cycle programs. Helms was head of 4-cycle tech for many years and spent numerous hours on the road with his wife, Martha, promoting WKA by hosting tech seminars throughout the country.

Services will be held at 12:30 pm Thursday, February 6, 2014, at Lady's Funeral Home Chapel at 268 N Cannon Blvd, Kannapolis, NC 28083. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8:00 pm Wednesday at Lady's Funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to North Kannapolis Baptist Church, 312 Locust Street, Kannapolis, N.C. 28081.

WKA sends its sincere condolences to Ralph’s wife, Martha, and the entire Helms family. And the organization salutes Helm for his years of service to WKA and the sport of karting.